Although anyone can become a victim of domestic violence, women and girls are still more likely to experience violence than men and boys. Did you know: Three out of five teenagers said that they've had a boyfriend or girlfriend who made them feel bad or embarrassed about themselves. (Teenage Research Unlimited (TRU), Teen Dating Abuse Survey, March 2006) Roughly 85% of all people who are the victims in an abusive relationship are women. (Bureau of Justice Statistics Special Report, Intimate Partner Violence and Age of Victim, 1993-99, Oct 2001). Around the world, at least one in every three women has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during her lifetime. (Heise, L., Ellsberg, M. and Gottemoeller, M. Ending Violence Against Women. Population Reports, Series L, No. 11., Dec. 1999)

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
You CAN Make A Difference!

In an effort to raise national consciousness about domestic violence, October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. All over the country, advocates for women's and girls' rights, along with corporations, unions, health care providers, and faith-based groups, will participate in activities and events to help put an end to violence. 

You (and your group or troop) can get involved in this important effort. Whether you take a little time out to discover your own concerns and fears, to connect with a friend or adult, or to take action in your community, here are some ideas for getting involved. You can make a difference!

Girls have a right to feel safe and secure!

• Keep a journal for two weeks and record all your conflicts with other people. Note how you, and others, handled each conflict and whether it was resolved. Do you see a pattern? Consider sharing your findings with a friend or adult you can talk to. (Check out the Conflict Resolution Girl Scout Interest Project for some other great ideas.)
• Try this activity from STUDIO 2B Focus: Take Charge (on page 14) called "Test Your Relationship" to see if your romantic relationship is healthy.
  
  Is your relationship healthy? Rate your relationship using the checklist below.

• Your partner gets extremely jealous when you want to spend time with other people—even friends and family.
• Your partner decides how the two of you spend your time together without asking you.
• You are afraid to disagree with or say no to your partner.
• Your partner puts you down and shows you little or no respect.
• Your partner has gotten physically violent with you—hit, punched, scratched, or even sexually assaulted you.
• Your partner makes you account for every moment of your time away from him.
• When things go wrong, your partner typically says you are to blame.
• Your partner has threatened to kill both of you if the two of you were to break up.

If you checked off even one of the about statements as describing your current situation, your relationship is unhealthy and may be abusive. If you checked off more than one, you need to get help right away. Abusive relationships only get worse, and you could be in danger.

Girls have a right to form caring and trustworthy relationships!

• With a couple of other girls, talk about what you can do and what you can say that would encourage a friend to get help if she has been abused, assaulted or raped. We always need friends we can talk to openly—especially in times of need. (See STUDIO 2B Focus: Take Charge, pages 16-17, for some suggestions to get started.)

• If you have been a victim, or have had an experience that simply makes you feel uncomfortable, it's important to reach out and share it with an adult you trust, such as a teacher, counselor, parent, guardian, or doctor.

Girls have a right to stand up for  themselves and others!

• Create a brochure, video, skit, or short program about domestic violence to help educate and inspire other girls. Consider including toll-free numbers of places girls can call for help, like local shelters or "safe places" and hotlines (such as 1-800-656-HOPE for victims of incest). You may want to use this project to earn your Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award!

• Volunteer at a local women's shelter. Opportunities to help may include reading to children, helping to clean or organize, and assisting in the kitchen. The shelter will let you know how you can best be of service.